Try to imagine it is 1827 and you are leaving Scotland on board the sailing ship, Corsair, bound for a strange land named Nova Scotia which you know nothing about.  You were recruited to work on the Shubenacadie Canal by Mr. John Kidd who was sent to Scotland to hire skilled workers.   When Mr. Kidd arrived in Glasgow you had just finished work on the Forth and Clyde Canal and you were looking for a new opportunity so you accepted his offer.

Following a long journey you are staring at the sides of a strange harbor wondering what life here will be like.  Before long you are in the community known as Dartmouth meeting with other Canal workers who take you into their small homes until you will have a chance to build your own.  Could one of these folks be a relative of yours?  We have been publishing the names of these Canal workers in the hope that someone may discover a connection with their family and let us know.  The names we are currently seeking are: James Falin (Stone Mason), Hector Elliott (Stone Mason), Timothy Carogan (Navvie) and Matty Farrell (Carpenter).

An important trade required during the construction and operation of the Shubenacadie Canal was blacksmithing.  One can imagine the many metal materials and tools which would be essential.  On Daniel Hoard’s crew list for 1830 the last Blacksmith we have listed was E. Griswold.  We know that there was a Blacksmith’s Forge along the west side of the channel between lakes Micmac and Charles and it is very likely Mr. Griswold would have worked there.  To find the remains of the Shop you walk on the west side of the waterway in Shubie Park.  It is about half way between the Camp Ground and Lake Charles.  Once you find the site you will be able to find out more about its use from the metal plaque which includes a written description as well as illustrations depicting the shop.

Do you know anyone in Dartmouth named Griswold? They may be related to a Canal worker. Let us know.